It's not the second coming of the waterfront streetcar, although it does go more places.

The new Emerald City Trolley (actually, gussied-up buses) plans to launch service Friday. Through Sept. 29, the company will run three lines from the Experience Music Project: a waterfront tour, express service to the Museum of Flight and a route to Ballard and Fremont. Stops along the routes include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, Ballard Locks, Woodland Park Zoo, Kenmore Air and MOHAI.

Narrators will recount "historical accounts as well as farcical anecdotes," according to a news release.

Riders will be able to hop on and off along the routes. Gray Line's double-decker bus formerly provided similar service.

"The Emerald City Trolley line offers travelers a way to visit all the attractions our city offers without the expense and complication of renting and parking a car," Jeremy Butzlaff, chief operations officer for Emerald City Trolley, said in the news release. "Guests can just hop on and off whenever and wherever they like, enabling them to see and experience Seattle for what it really is -- amazing."

Fares start at $45 for a two-day pass, with extra days costing $15. Family passes for two adults and up to three children 12 and under cost $110.